Activists launch a Pride flag into space to ‘claim’ it for LGBT people

Activists have launched a Pride flag into space

LGBT rights have crossed another barrier – only this time it’s the atmosphere.

Nick Duffy 

 
28^th September 2016

 

 

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Rights activists Planting Peace are renowned for their elaborate PR stunts – from creating a rainbow Pride centre opposite the Westboro Baptist Church and holding mock gay weddings, to erecting giant billboards in the hometown of Kim Davis, to ‘claiming’ Antarctica in the name of LGBT rights. 

But apparently continents aren’t enough: they’re now claiming space for LGBT people too. 

 

 

 

The group used a weather balloon to launch the flag into space, according to a statement.
A statement explained: “On August 17, Planting Peace sent the first pride flag into space, and in doing so, declared space LGBTQ friendly.

“The primary purpose of this declaration is to support the ongoing fight for the fundamental human rights of our LGBTQ family, moving us closer to a universal understanding that all people deserve to live freely and love freely without fear and discrimination. 

“To achieve this, we used a high altitude balloon with a GoPro attached, and launched just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The pride flag was airborne for just over three hours before making its way back to earth. At its peak altitude, the flag soared 21.1 miles above the earth’s surface.

“Our hope was to create the largest safe SPACE possible for our LGBTQ community. It also offered us a chance to reinforce, in a peaceful, beautiful way, our ongoing message to our LGBTQ family:

“You are loved, valued and beautiful. There is nothing wrong with you. You are not alone, and we will stand with you.”

Aaron Jackson, President of Planting Peace, told Huffington Post: “It was an honor to send the first Pride flag into space, and it provided a wonderful opportunity to show that Planting Peace will not stop fighting for LGBTQ rights until all sexual and gender minorities experience full, fundamental rights in every corner of the universe. 

“The backdrop of space gave us a stunning, inspiring and peaceful canvas for our message of hope to our LGBTQ family.

“I would love for LGBTQ children who are struggling to see this, and look up to the stars and remember that the universe shines brightly for them, and they are not alone.” 

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